Mission

The Chemistry Department is dedicated to providing a high quality chemistry education
for the students at Utah Valley University. The department offers a wide variety of
classes to support other departments and to provide excellent training leading to
a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Physics Education.
The chemistry faculty is committed to encouraging students to learn and to do research
not only in their course work, but in their lifelong careers.

Chair Welcome

Welcome to the department of chemistry web page. Here you can find information about
possible careers in chemistry and the chemistry classes offered by the department.
You can also find information about the faculty and their research interests. The
department has a goal of involving each chemistry major in undergraduate research.

If you want to major in chemistry or chemistry and physics education you can find
the requirements for these majors and a breakdown by semester of the classes that
should be taken to obtain a bachelor degree. Go to the "Degrees and Programs" page. The requirements for a chemistry minor are listed under "Minor in Chemistry."

About Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter. Chemists study the properties and reactions of matter.

A career in Chemistry offers the opportunity for a challenging and rewarding life.
Chemistry is the central science. It bridges physics and materials science, the biological
sciences and medicine, and earth and planetary sciences. Chemistry is a fundamental
driver in the business and commerce sector of our society.

Chemists are in continual demand. Many students with degrees in chemistry choose to
pursue an advanced degree in graduate school, or to attend medical, dental, pharmacology,
or veterinary schools. Chemists, however, are vital to a wide spectrum of fields.

In industry, chemists work on projects such as new product development and testing
for substances important in products ranging from common household goods to exotic
pharmaceuticals. Chemists are also needed in the broad area of environmental chemistry.
In addition to the areas of industrial hygiene and waste treatment, environmental
chemists are required in toxicology where a knowledge of both chemistry and biological
systems is important. Environmental chemists are required to measure toxins in the
environment, conduct research into the reactions and biochemical reaction mechanisms
of possible pollutants, and to help provide insights into the development of new compounds
which are less toxic to humankind and the environment.

In government, laboratory chemists are involved in measurements for standardization,
development of new analytical techniques, merging computers and chemistry in new technology,
forensics and even in robotics.

You may ask, "What about other professional programs?" Chemistry majors have successfully
pursued law degrees and MBAs. These lawyers and business people are sought after because
of their technical background and ability to understand complex issues involving science
and technology. Students may pursue careers in sales, regulation of industry, or science
policy.

An area which is always important and of increasing popularity is Chemistry Education.
There are many majors now teaching Chemistry and other secondary school science classes.
Another area for those who enjoy writing is Science Journalism. There is a great need
for science expertise in the news media.

Most chemists, however, pursue laboratory research. We believe that the development
of quality research scientists must begin at the undergraduate level with a positive
research environment. These research opportunities at the early stages of development
allow the aspiring scientist to obtain the proper perspective on the successes and
failures associated with scientific research. As important is the opportunity for
students to explore different areas of research and to discover the excitement inherent
in research activities.

The Department of Chemistry is in the process of developing undergraduate research
opportunities. This research is quite different from the laboratory exercises that
are part of our lower level courses. As our faculty begin to develop their research
interests, our students will be given the opportunity to participate. Students can
participate in any or all of these projects as their interest and schedules permit.

We encourage you to look into the chemistry program at UVU. We will not kid you. The
coursework needed to earn a degree is rigorous and challenging. However, that degree
can open up your future to many possibilities. As an incentive to recruit students
to our major, the College has set aside money for scholarships for chemistry majors.